Man discovers body in field after mowing over it

GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A Garrard County man says it was quite the shock, he says he was mowing his family's pasture like he has for most of his life, but today he found a body in the tall grass.

The discovery was made just off Highway 39 outside of Lancaster around 4:30 in the afternoon. While the man who found the body did not want to comment on camera, he did say after he ran over the body all he saw a foot.

"What we have, here, is a 'John Doe.' He has been out here for several days," stated Garrard County Coroner Daryl Hodge.

Hodge went on to say that identifying the body will be a big challenge.

"Two reasons. One, he's been out here for several days and two, there was quite a bit of destruction by the bush hog, itself. "

When asked if the body was still intact, Hodge replied, "no."

While the "John Doe" was left mangled and unable to even determine an age, Hodge says there are still ways to identify the man, even if most of them might be a long shot.

"Fingerprints if possible, dental if possible, and if we can find any other identifications, and if we can maybe locate a family member that might have some help."

The coroner said the body has already been taken to Frankfort where an autopsy will be performed on Monday.

At this time, Kentucky State Police are handling the investigation. According to Hodge, investigators may have a likely lead as they are asking a family about a man who has been missing for several days.

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